Writing a School Resource Centre Policy

Stephens (1997) speaks of the dynamic nature of library policy development. With regard to the library policy, she says, ‘Do not lock it away in your filing cabinet but make it work for you!’ ( in Manning, M & Ferretter, G 1997, ‘Defining and refining: Necessary skills for the school information professional’, Access, vol. 11, no. 4, pp.18-20).

Tierney and Whitney (1998, pp. 16-17) suggest a series of questions that should form the basis of the Resource Centre Policy:

What is the purpose of the school or institution?

Restating of the school purpose or mission which will provide the focus for the school library resource center policy. This can be found within the School's Partnership Agreement.

What is the purpose of the school library resource center?

Statement that explains the resource centre’s role in achieving the school purpose and educational outcomes documented in the School Partnership Agreement and Annual Operational Plans.

Who are the patrons of the library resource center?

Brief description of the various clients including numbers and any special attributes. Usually this covers students, teachers and community members (parents etc).

What are the roles and responsibilities of those concerned?

Role statements including responsibilities of the Teacher-Librarian, Resource Centre Aide and Resource Centre Committee Members are outlined.

What are the desired outcomes of the library resource centre?

1. Information skills program (Learners and Learning)

1.2 Literature skills program (Learners and Learning)

2. Teacher support program (Teachers and Teaching)

3. Collection development program (Resourcing the Curriculum)

4. Access to resources and information program (Providing Access to Information)

5. Library environment program (Developing the Physical Environment).

(A brief description of general outcomes should accompany each of the above programs). This will form the basis of the Annual Operational Plan for the Resource Centre.

What will indicate the library resource centre is achieving its purpose?

Pointers or indicators for the above programs that will demonstrate the extent to which goals are achieved. The emphasis should be on student learning.

How will performance be monitored?

Outline of the data collection methods that will be used.

What are the library priorities for this year?

Library priorities should reflect the school priorities.

How will resources be allocated?

Outline of how personnel and funds will be allocated to the programs and priorities.

Tierney, G & Whitney, M 1998, ‘Policy writing framework review’, Access, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 16-17.

Submitted by Denise Tarlinton

Last updated 2001